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Poultry Farming

Prevention of Disease and Health Management in Poultry farming

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Poultry farming requires careful attention to the health and well-being of the birds. Effective health management is crucial for the success and profitability of a poultry farm. It involves prevention, identifying, and management of health issues that can affect the flock. Proper health management practices help farmers to optimize growth and productivity of their birds, as well as minimize the risk of disease outbreaks.

READ MORE: Impact Of Ammonia And Humidity On Poultry

Common Health Issues in Poultry and their Impact
Poultry birds can be susceptible to a variety of health issues, which can have a significant impact on their overall well-being and productivity. Some of the common health issues in poultry include respiratory infections, digestive disorders, parasitic infestations, and viral diseases. These health problems can lead to decreased growth rates, reduced egg production, poor feed conversion, and increased mortality rates. It is essential for poultry farmers to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of these health issues and take appropriate measures to prevent and treat them.

READ MORE: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BY POULTRY FARMERS

Health Management Plan
The following health management plan is required in poultry farming;

  1. Biosecurity Measures
  2. Vaccination
  3. Regular Health Monitoring
  4. Proper Nutrition
  5. Parasite Control
  6. Waste Management
  7. Establishment of clear plan for disease outbreaks.

READ MORE: NOILER FARMING

In Conclusion, Effective health management is critical for the success and profitability of poultry farming. By implementing a step-by-step approach to health management, poultry farmers can create a thriving and profitable poultry farm.

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Poultry Farming

VACCINATION IN POULTRY MANAGEMENT

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Productivity and profitability in poultry farming are enhanced by application of sound principles of bio-security, vaccination and management. Improving efficiency increases the availability of eggs and poultry meat, which leads to increase in profits of the farmers. Improved bio-security and an awareness of the need for appropriate vaccination programs reduces the potential losses caused by both catastrophic and erosive infections in commercial scale farms.

Prevention of Diseases
Prevention of disease in commercial poultry operations requires the application of a coordinated program of biosecurity, vaccination, medication and improved hygiene.

Mechanisms of Disease Transmission: in order to develop control procedures it Is Important to understand the mechanisms by which disease causing pathogens are introduced into commercial poultry farms and how disease agents are disseminated among units.

There are two types of transmission of disease in poultry
Biological transmission and mechanical transmission

Biological transmission: This occurs when the pathogen multiplies in an infected host which transmits the agent when placed in contact with susceptible flocks.

Mechanical transmission: It involves transfer of a pathogen from an infected source or reservoir host to a susceptible flock by contaminated personnel, equipment, insect vectors, rodents, wild birds, or dust carried by wind

Routes of Disease Transmission:

  • Aerosol transmission (through air)
  • Direct contact (biting)
  • Fomite transmission (Through contaminated objects, like feeders, drinkers etc. )
  • Vector-borne transmission (Transmission by vectors like ticks, flies, mosquitoes etc.)
  • Zoonotic transmission (Transmission from Animals to humans )

Mechanism of Disease Transmission

For an animal to come down with an infection, after the causative organism has gained entrance through any route (oral, aerosol direct contact, fomite etc), the microorganism has to:

  • Reach an ineffective dose
  • Overwhelm or subdue the host Immune system (both passive V and acquired immunity, after which the livestock will come down with the infection.

There are five stages of infection process

  • Point of entry
  • Incubation period
  • Prodromal period (Shows Early Symptoms of diseases)
  • Manifestation period
  • Final period (recovery/death) Vaccination

    Vaccination also known as immunization is the administration of a vaccine to stimulate the immune system of an animal in order to produce specific antibodies against viral, bacterial and protozoan diseases. Vaccines are biologicals capable of stimulating immune response towards the production of antibodies. Vaccine confers immunity/protection upon flocks over a specified period of time. Vaccination is a protective device used to prevent the outbreak of many poultry diseases if it is well done. It confers protection upon the flock over a specified period of time.

    Vaccination program or schedule/table helps to know when vaccines will be administered, but in drawing vaccination program the following factors must be considered.
  • Disease prevalence in area of operation.
  • Risk of exposure.
  • Immune status of parent stock (maternal Immunity)
  • Cost of buying and administering vaccine
  • Consequences of adverse vaccine reaction.
  • Availability of specific vaccines.

    However, there is no permanent vaccination schedule suitable for all places and time because of existence and virulence of diseases and availability and use of vaccines.

    There are different types of vaccines e.g. (Gumboro vaccine, Lasota vaccines) Some School of thought will classify vaccines based on the nature of the pathogen from which they are derived, that is viral, bacterial or parasitic. However this does not really give us the understanding of how, vaccines work or should be used.

    Types of Vaccines:

    Based on their mode of action or how they Work, it is more useful to categories vaccines into:

    Attenuated live vaccines: this contain a modified live disease causing agent or antigen, usually adapted from the field for administration either individually ( Mareks disease vaccine, fowl pox Vaccines, etc.) or by mass application (HB1 vaccine, Gumboro vaccine, Lasota vaccines, usually oral preparation)
    Killed or inactivated vaccines: this is mostly used in poultry, it is oil emulsion based. The antigen is suspended in the oil. E.g. ND+ EDS oil vaccine, ND + lBD Oil vaccine etc.

    Routes of Vaccine Administration i.e how vaccines should be administered

    A Wide range of methods of administration of poultry vaccines is available for use both in the hatchery and on farms. All vaccines are approved for use by specific routes and doses. The routes of administration include the following:

    In ovo vaccination at 18 days of incubation to administer Mareks vaccine (advance technology).
  • Post-hatch spray vaccination, in cabinets for mass administration of aerosol vaccines to day old chicks.
  • Parentheral vaccination which include subcutaneous and intramuscular injection, to administer either live or inactivated emulsion vaccines to chicks, growing stock and layers.
  • Wing-web stab to administer live vaccines directly to each bird e. g fowl pox vaccine.
  • Eye drop and intranasal routes suitable for hatchery administration and during brooding of chicks’ e.g HBI.
  • Aerosol administration, using a knapsack or electric sprayer to deliver vaccines to flocks as a coarse spray.
  • Oral or drinking water administration: can be implemented at low cost but is of limited effectiveness against some infections.

    Handling of Vaccines:

    This is an important aspect of vaccination in livestock, it entails how Vaccines are transported from the manufacturer to the end users, a cold chain must be maintained and also the person that is administering the vaccine. A well designed vaccination program will not be effective if vaccine is damaged by improper handling prior to administration. Live vaccines can be inactivated when exposed to adverse conditions. Always store and handle vaccines as recommended by the manufacturer.

    Factors Responsible for Vaccine Break/Failure
  • Wrong Vaccination program
  • Improper Administration and handling
  • Vaccine administration deficiency
  • Maternal antibodies
  • Stress
  • Timing
  • Immunosuppression
  • Management practices
  • Vaccine quality
  • Vaccine modifications
  • Vaccine strains and serotypes

Why Vaccine Break Is a Threat to Biosecurity
Vaccines are supposed to protect animals against diseases, but when animals are not protected they get exposed to the wild organisms, and eventually come down with the infection, which IS likely to spread to in-contact animals and animals in that locality. Also vaccine break can lead to breakout of a more deadly diseases, the vaccine which is supposed to confer immunity will serve as source of infection to the flock or herd. This will in turn spread to livestock in that area.

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Poultry Farming

Lucrative Business Ideas In Poultry Farming Industry

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Poultry farming industry in Nigeria includes numerous lucrative business opportunities for the entrepreneurs. People generally perceive poultry farming is all about rearing and farming chickens for eggs and meats. However, it is something more than that.

The survival and profitability of a small scale enterprise in poultry farming industry depend on the qualities of the person who starts the business. An individual must be an opportunity seeker through a careful scanning of the needs of the consumers and entire poultry value system. He or she must be persistent to be able to support business growth.

READ ALSO: Gangrenous Dermatitis in Poultry

Profitable Business Ideas In Poultry Farming Industry

1. Broiler Poultry Farming For Meat
Commercial broiler farming is one of the most successful business in Nigeria and other parts of the world. This business can be initiated as small medium and large scale basis according to the investment capacity.

2. Chicken Hatchery
In the modern nomenclature of the poultry farming industry, the term hatchery covers the sector which is engaged in production and supply of one-day-old chicks by artificial incubation. Day old chicks are produced keeping in view the customer’s requirements. The Bureau of Indian Standards has laid down specifications for day old chicks (layer/broiler) under the ISI Specification

READ ALSO: Feeding Methods In Fish Farming

3. Egg Processing
Egg processing opportunity includes egg grading, processing, pasteurization, spray drying and eggshell processing. A fully export-oriented plant setup definitely cash intensive business.

4. Frozen Chicken Meat Processing
The demand for frozen chicken meat is increasing rapidly. The product is very popular in retail outlets. Some of the very popular frozen and chilled forms are whole chicken (with or without giblets), boneless breast, boneless legs, drumstick with skin, drumstick skinless, a whole leg with skin, whole leg skinless, wings, lollipop.

5. Layer Poultry Farming For Eggs
Layer poultry farming means raising egg-laying poultry birds for the purpose of commercial egg production. For poultry farming schemes with very large outlays, detailed project reports will have to be prepared. Banks provide financial assistance for construction of brooder/grower and layer sheds, feed store, quarters etc., purchase of poultry equipment such as feeders, waterers, brooders etc., creating infrastructure items for the supply of electricity, feed, water etc.

6. Organic Manure Production
A very good quality organic manure production is possible from chicken wastes. An organic chicken manure fertilizer production technology process includes the selection of raw material (chicken manure etc), drying and sterilization, burden mixing, granulation, cooling, and screening, measuring and cutting and product storage.

READ ALSO: Sexing of day-old chicks

7. Poultry Farming Equipment Shop
This is one of the most profitable trading opportunities in poultry farming industry. You can start the business by two ways. You can source the material from manufacturers and sell from your own shop. Otherwise, you can start with a distributor or dealership agreement of a reputed company.

Some of the most popular equipment are Poultry Cage, Layer Cage, Breeder Cage, Poultry Ventilation System, Poultry Environment Control System, Poultry Cooling Fan Pad, Poultry Heaters, Nipple Drinking System, Poultry Controller Systems etc.

8. Poultry Feed Manufacturing
Good quality poultry feed is always in high demand. The success of livestock farming is largely dependent on the continuous supply of good quality nutritious feeds at the competitive price. The business is very profitable according to the gross profit generation.

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Poultry Farming

Floor Space Requirements For Broilers & Layers 

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In livestock farming, floor space is very important. Spacing have a tremendous effect on the growth and general welfare of livestock. Poor performance cannot be avoided in an overcrowded pen. For laying birds (layers), the growth, laying and health performance would be greatly affected.

So a farmer or keeper needs to put the space requirements into serious consideration when planning the design and size of the pen where your flock will be kept.

The importance of spacing might not be well understood if the disadvantaged of over stocking is not well explained.

Problems of Overstocking or Overcrowding

Other problems associated with inadequate floor space for broilers includes;

  • Unequal feeding and deprivation of the smaller or weak chickens
  • Stunted or poor growth
  • Poor health
  • Poor feed conversion
  • Poor laying or egg production efficiency
  • Mortality due to heat stress
  • Increased cases of bullying and cannibalism
  • Rapid disease spread
  • Incessant wetness of the litter and ammonia build-up
  • Stuffy or smelly pen

Now, it is important to list the importance, benefits or advantages of knowing the floor spacing of chickens.

Advantages of Knowing Floor Spacing

  • It helps in determining the holding capacity of a particular rearing pen and avoiding overstocking or understocking
  • It helps to prevent space-related losses
  • It enhances the welfare and performance of the flock
  • It eases planning such as pen design plan and feeding plan

Having listed the salient points above, I will like to do mathematics and the answer to the popular question: what is the floor space requirement for broilers?

Floor Space Requirements for Broiler Chickens

The ideal floor space requirement per broiler chicken is 1-2 sqft (0.09-0.18 sqm), 1.5 sqft (0.14 sqm) on average. However, going as high as 2.5 sqft/bird (0.23 sqm/bird) is not bad, especially during the very hot seasons. Don’t forget this value is for adult birds (around 8 weeks), therefore, if you are looking at raising younger broiler chickens like 0-4 weeks old, then you can go for a lesser floor space such as 0.75 sqft/bird.

 

Floor Space Requirements for Layers

The ideal floor space requirement per broiler chicken is 1.7-1.9 sqft or 0.16-0.18 sqm. This is the recommended floor space for a layer chicken raised on deep-litter and above 18 weeks old.

You can also calculate the stocking density or floor space based on the live body weight of the broiler chickens.

Floor space for 1 broiler at 2.3 kg is 0.97 sqft (0.09 sqm). Therefore, for 100 broilers it is 0.97 X 100 = 97 sqft. It’s as simple as ABC.

READ ALSO: Poultry Diseases That Affect Humans

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INTESTINAL WORMS IN POULTRY (2)

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Worms are usually transmitted from bird to bird through the faecal oral route. This is where worm eggs are excreted in droppings and then ingested by birds that scratch and peck at the soil, litter or droppings. Ingestion of infected earthworms, bugs and other secondary hosts can also spread parasitic worms.

Eggs excreted into the environment require warm and moist conditions to become infective. Rainy season is often the time when worm problems are most prevalent due to the climatic conditions that favour their growth. Wet areas encourage worm growth.

READ ALSO: LITTER MANAGEMENT IN POULTRY FARMING (1)

Below are the basic signs
1. Reduction in the amount of feed intake. Normally it’s expected that the more your birds grow the higher the feed consumption they need for proper growth.

2. When you notice Drastic Reduction in birds weight or little delayed or no egg production in laying birds.

3. Sleeping excessively. When your birds are standing and sleeping or when their sleep becomes too obvious.

4. When you notice their poo hole is filled or stained with poops.

5.Vomiting water, saliva or any other thing from their mouth

READ ALSO:LITTER MANAGEMENT IN POULTRY FARMING (2)

6. Paleness of the egg yolk and reduction in egg size.

7.Also when you notice their Comb to be pale or Wattle to have change in brightness.

8. Birds infested with worms will often stretch out their necks in irregular manners for no reasons, this is another indication that the poultry birds are infested.

READ ALSO: LITTER MANAGEMENT IN POULTRY FARMING (3)

Best Practices to prevent worm infestation in your farm
1. Poultry birds often pick up worms from dirty litters, so ensure to have clean and dry litters always.

2. Deworm your birds by having and following a good medication schedule.

3. Never allow your birds to walk out of their cages or pen to prevent them from eating dirt that can cause worm infestation.

4.Use Kepromec, Piperazine or any other deworming drug to deworm your birds 

READ ALSO: INTESTINAL WORMS IN POULTRY (1)

Control
1. Treat with anti-parasitic drugs, usually added to the water. Check veterinary advice and follow manufacturer’s directions, including any withholding periods where eggs and meat should not be consumed.

2. Regularly clean poultry housing, including their feeders and drinkers and remove any build-up of faecal material.

3. Using a combination of these methods will help to achieve the best results.

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Poultry Farming

INTESTINAL WORMS IN POULTRY (1)

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Roundworms are the most common type of intestinal worm; they look like spaghetti and live in the intestine of the bird. They can affect chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese. 

READ ALSO: Factors that contribute to the overall performance in poultry. 

Roundworms, also called ascarids, are the most common intestinal parasite found in poultry. The greatest impacts in a worm infestation are reduced feed efficiency and egg quality. In severe infestations, death may occur. Occasionally worms are found inside the chicken egg.

READ ALSO: ANATOMY OF CHICKENS (1)

Deworming is one of the major practices in poultry management. It is an act of eradicating worms that slows the Ultimum growth and liveliness in poultry birds. It’s the process of administering anthelmintic medication to kill parasitic worms or inhibit their ability to grow and reproduce. The medication prevents worms from infesting the digestive tract or other parts of the body.

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Factors that contribute to the overall performance in poultry. 

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1. Chick source: Don’t compromise on good chicks

2. Feed: let your priority be on quality feed most especially on the first two weeks.

3. Heat during brooding: the average heat needed for brooding is 35°c, the temperature should be adjusted according to birds reaction.

READ ALSO: Perfect Temperature for Brooding Chicks

4. Water: don’t give your birds the water you cannot drink.

READ ALSO: Water Management in Poultry Production

5. Vaccination and medication: vaccine is for prevention of disease, drugs is for curing disease.

READ ALSO: Vaccine Failure in Poultry

6. Bedding/litters management: protect your litters from getting wet, change it when it’s dirty.

Read ALSO: LITTER MANAGEMENT IN POULTRY FARMING (1)

7. Biosecurity: your pen is not a restaurant, don’t allow everybody to enter.

8.Record keeping: 80% of small scale farmers don’t keep record, this made them to sell below the production cost.

The important data that is important in your record book are

a. Weight of birds at day old, and least every two weeks.

b. Feed intake

c. Medication and vaccination given

d. Mortality

Water taken for each day is also important, it helps in know how to dilute your drugs and vaccine

 

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MARKETING STRATEGIES TO ACCELERATE YOUR POULTRY BUSINESS

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Every poultry farmer needs to be proactive. “If you’re not proactive you cannot be productive”. Don’t wait until your birds are mature before you start marketing.

At the same time; You need to market your products in a right way. If you market your products in a wrong way, it will affect your sales.

However, the following ways will help you to sell your farm products within short time.

1. Start promoting your products early, even before you have the chickens. This helps build interest in your market.

2. Use Facebook and WhatsApp groups to show off your products. Don’t be shy about asking friends to share your posts, and use good pictures.

3. Social media is powerful. Many people make money selling things on Facebook, even if they never meet their customers.

READ ALSO: How to Identify Good Laying Birds

4. If you sell in person, try to find a bigger market than you have chickens for. That way, even if only a few people buy, it makes a difference.

5. Think about selling in bulk. You might get less money per chicken, but you can sell them all faster.
this is what most farmers practice.However, one thing you should know about bulk sales is that birds go at a lesser per/unit price.

6. If you work in an office, school, or government office, show your products to your colleagues. Many people prefer live chickens. there is no way you wont see those who aren’t interested to buy Live Birds infact 70% of people prefer to buy live birds instead.

READ ALSO: Best ways to manage odours in your poultry farm

7. Let your cooperative groups and associations know you’re into poultry farming. They might buy or tell others who will.

8. Tell your church members about your products and share samples.

9. Work with carpenters to set up displays by the road near your home. SO THAT PASSERS-BY who are interested in buying too can buy from you.

10. If you can, turn your broilers into frozen foods. This can give you more profit, but make sure people know about them.

These tips can help you sell your poultry products successfully, irrespective of the season. You can start with a small number of chickens and grow your business over time. With dedication and the right approach, you will succeed.

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SEVEN POULTRY RULES FOR YOUR FARM

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Do you have passion for poultry and really wish to stay long in the business? Then, obey these rules!

Rule (1)

…”Only order for birds you can conveniently take care of”.
This is the most important rule of all.

Instead of stocking 500 birds and then struggle to feed them or give them medication, buy 200, feed and give them good medication.

Trust me, you’ll make more profit than keeping 500 and struggling to feed and give the medication. If this happens, you’ll battle with stunted growth, recurrent morbidity or disease outbreaks and high mortality.

Rule (2)

…”Never borrow money to start poultry business unless you are an expert”.

Of course, there is no expert in poultry business. In fact, we learn everyday. Every stock you take in will always teach you something different. However, Haven learnt from all the different characteristics displayed by each stock, you get to know more and won’t be excited when challenges come. You’ll know how to handle them without much damage.

READ ALSO: Danger of Early Iron Injection in Piglet

Rule (3)

…”Be vigilant”.
The little things you don’t take as anything matters.

If you want to succeed in poultry, you must take it as a real business. Do you know what a business man does every morning when he gets to his store? He pray, then open the store and go round to check if everything is in its place. He take stocks of what he met there and relate with his records yesterday before closing the store.

Don’t just open your Pen and start rushing to give your birds feed and water and rush out again. Check around. Watch how they behave when you came in. Check what fell and what is no longer in its place.

Rule (4)

…”Never ignore warning signals”.

Yes, I call them warning signals.

1.Bad smell
2.Withdrawal from feed
3.Moodiness
4.Withdrawal from water

There are numerous warning signals i can’t mention here. In fact, they are so many

A farmer must know how his birds behaves when they see him enter the in the morning. How they behave when he serve them feed. He should know the very active terrors and gentle lambs

If you keep these signals, you’ll easily spot when something is not right.

Rule (5)

…”Never change feed indiscriminately!”

I know you do this. Yes, you.

When farmers talk about changing feed from this to this and that then this all in the name getting better result, I’m always scared for them.

Whether you are changing from a bad feed to a good one, you must be very careful.

Do you know every change in feed affect your bird negatively first before gradually bringing in the results you don’t desire? Most of the times, you may suffer withdrawal, coccidiosis, feed wastage, stress and more.

Imagine changing from mash to Pellet indiscriminately. Do you know what that means? Have you studied the difference between mash and Pelleted feed and the process of digestion?

They may contain the same ingredients but the formulation process varies so is the digestion process.

Note: I don’t mean changing from starter to grower or finisher but changing from one commercial feed to another. 

Even whenever you need to change from starter to grower follow the rules 75% starter and 25% grower, then 50% grower and 50% starter and finally 75% grower and 25% starter. At the end you change 100% to grower feed. You can follow the same rule whenever you need to change from one phase feed to other. This one works for feed of the same brand too.

Each company use their own unique ingredients to make their feeds although they may give the same nutritional content. Before using any feed for your birds, find out first about the feed and make sure you stick with it.

READ ALSO: 11 Foods That Are Dangerous to Rabbit (must read for all rabbit owners)

Rule (6)

…”Never let your birds run dry of water”.

Have you heard of heat stress? If it has happened to your birds then you’ll understand what I’m saying.
Heat stress can wipe your entire flock. And it may leave your birds vulnerable to all kinds of infection as their immune system get weakened and may take days to fully recover. t’s better to run out of feed than to run out of water.

Rule (7)

…”If you can’t drink that water, don’t give it to your birds”.

Some farmers takes chickens as they are just animals and nothing matters. Maybe they’ve forgotten they are dealing with delicate live animals.

Waterborne diseases are some of the deadliest disease and most difficult to control. Imagine a tiny drop of harmful substance inside the drinking water; it’ll contaminate the whole water.

Please, if you can’t drink that water, don’t give it to your birds. I’m not talking about medicated water.

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THE DOS AND DON’TS OF POULTRY FARMING

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The following dos and don’ts of poultry farming are very important for all poultry farmers and prospective poultry farmers to adhere to:

1. Don’t allow different people into your farm. Your farm isn’t a zoo.

2. Employ only experienced workers passionate to work on the farm, not someone that is heartless and nonchalant or never worked on a poultry farm before, they would mess things up for you unless you train them before allowing them to work independently. Majority of farms that closed down that I knew could be attributed to the farms’ unscrupulous employees.

3. Start small and grow big. Even if you have billions in your account, start small and let the profit determines expansion.

READ ALSO: Factors that Influence Egg Size

4. For beginners, start with about 500-1000 birds to test the waters, before pumping in more money. You will learn and make mistakes with that and then move on to a bigger size with that experience. You need a small quantity to build your customer base first so that when you eventually expand, you won’t
have a hard time selling your eggs or chickens.

5. Don’t take a loan to start a poultry farm until you have experience.

6. Keep a record of every penny you spent and the money you received. Good bookkeeping is key to your success, this applies also to backyard farmers.

ALSO READ: Grain Overload or Acidosis in Ruminant Animals

7. Keeping account of everything would help you know whether you are making a profit or farming at a loss.

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